The connection - New beginnings

Chapter Seventeen - Let's party

Alex

"You look so hot in that dress babe" Zac's voice purred in my ear as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. The pink sequins sparkled under my touch and I couldn't help but think I didn't look like myself as I stared at my reflection. Zac moved his arms around my waist as they roamed my body travelling up the fabric of my dress, one going towards the hem and the other towards my chest.

"I just want to rip it off you" he whispered as he softly kissed my exposed neck. 

A wave of nausea washed over me and I stepped forward out of his grip. It had been a few days since I'd dreamt about Chase but the thought of Zac touching me, kissing me just felt wrong. I knew it was wrong of me to treat him like this. I'd promised myself I'd get through this party and then we'd talk about it after. We were heading off to different colleges anyway so maybe it was better if we just ended it before summer was over.

"Sorry Natalie spent ages working on my hair and makeup, she would be so mad if I ruined all her hard work" I lied. Again. This was becoming all too familiar.

He looked at my with sad eyes and I felt so awful, he didn't deserve this.

"Alex is everything okay? You've seemed a bit on edge this week, is there something I should know?" He held my gaze with a serious expression.

"No of course not, it's just been weird being back here that's all. Seeing everyone.." I trailed off

"Seeing them...Chase and Nate?" He finished for me. I shot him a sympathetic look. I knew he must have started to suspect something wasn't right, anyone could see how awkward I had been over the last week.

"It's just a lot to process. I'm fine though and I don't want to feel like this, I think I just need some time to get used to being back that's all" 

"You've been distant with me this week. Every time I try to go near you, you push me away or make some excuse....I don't know how to feel about that, guess I'm not used to it" he huffed in sadness 

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to push you away Zac. I just need to get my head together first I guess. Let's go to this party and have a great night together, no distractions to get in our way" 

He pulled me into a hug "no distractions" he agreed. We both knew that really meant no Chase or Nate drama.

"Come on we better join Natalie and Lucas downstairs, we were meant to leave twenty minutes ago" I smiled up at him as I offer a quick peck on the lips before making our way downstairs.

My best friend is looking typing furiously on her phone as we enter the living room. She looks up at me with a grin.

"Finally, thought you two were never going to come down! Jules has been asking what time we are going to arrive and I didn't want to say it depended on how long the two of you took to you know..." she giggled

"Natalie! We were not! I was just taking my time to get in this damn dress" I shot her an annoyed look as she retrieved her bag and we headed out the door.

**************************

The drive seemed to take forever but we finally pulled up at Madisons house and clambered out of Lucas's car. Natalia shot me a concerned look and mouthed "are you okay" I wasn't feeling okay. I was feeling nervous about this party. Something in the pit of my stomach was screaming at me to stay home tonight but there was no way that was going to happen. I nodded back to her and offered a small smile as Zac took my hand and we headed towards the house.

The sound of the music could be heard before we even got close to the front door. This was going to be one loud long party I inwardly cringed to myself. 

"Nat, Alex over here" Jules excited voice came through the crowd as we entered the house. She stood in the adjoining room with Nate and a couple of hockey lads as she waved us over enthusiastically. As we walked closer my eyes were drawn to the person sat on the arm of the sofa just next to where they were stood. Heat filled my body as our eyes met momentarily before I averted my gaze back towards Jules. I'm pretty sure I heard Chase snigger at my action but I couldn't be sure. It was loud in here.

"Alex you look amazing in that dress, I'm so glad I forced you to try it on" Jules beamed as she pulled me in for a quick hug. "Oh you must be Zac, hi I'm Jules, Nate's girlfriend" 

I watched as they exchanged a friendly wave and Zac returned her greeting. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. Other than Chase brooding in the corner that is.

"You guys have some catching up to do, how about a game of beer pong?" One of the hockey guys who's name I didn't quite remember shouted to the small group. "Come on Luc, you know you want to"

"Ah man I'm driving tonight" Lucas replied looking disappointed 

"I'll drive, give me your keys so you don't get drunk and lose them" I offered, Natalie's eyes burned into me. She knew something was up but she wouldn't confront me in front of all these people.

"You sure babe, thought we were going to have fun tonight and let loose a little" Zac asked looking at the keys in my hand.

"I don't need to get drunk to have fun babe, and you can still play. I'll be referee" I offered my best smile which he believed as he pulled me down for a kiss.

"Looks like we're playing beer pong" he announced to the group as Lucas and Nate began to set up the cups on the table a few feet away. 

"Is that tequila you're pouring into those cups" Natalie asked horrified 

" yep...it's going to get messy in here tonight" the hockey guy replied. I really needed to get his name.

It's Pete 

My eyes turned to look at Chase who was nursing a bottle of beer, he didn't meet my gaze so I turned back to watch the game. If he was going to ignore me then I would do the same. That's what I wanted anyway wasn't it.

Two rounds of beer pong later and they were all feeling the effects of the tequila. Zac had excused himself to use the bathroom. I'm pretty sure he had gone to throw up. Natalie and Jules were giggling like school girls and I couldn't help but feel like I wanted to be anywhere but here.

I stood up and headed towards the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. It wasn't until I set the bottle down on the counter that I realised I wasn't alone.